Fast Break 1979

Comedy

Runtime

107 mins

Language

English

Directed by

Jack Smight

Made by

Kings Road Entertainment

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Fast Break Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Fast Break (1979). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

David Greene [Gabe Kaplan] is a basketball fanatic living in Brooklyn, balancing neighborhood pickup games with his deli job, and he shares the streets with a young Street Kid [Laurence Fishburne]. A former junior high coach, he dreams of earning a living coaching basketball and has sent countless letters to colleges in the hope of turning that dream into reality, much to the chagrin of his wife Jan [Randee Heller], who simply wants to buy a home and start a family.

When a dubious opportunity finally appears, David is offered a job coaching the men’s basketball team at Cadwallader University, a fictional Nevada college. The position pays only $60 for each win, but it promises a lucrative contract if he can guide Cadwallader to victory over Nevada State, one of the top programs in the country. He accepts, even though his wife cannot join him on this cross‑country pursuit, and their marriage begins to feel the strain as the dream pulls him away.

David sets about building a new squad with Hustler [Bernard King], a gifted baller and pool ace whose own fortunes have soured after a harsh sting by his “pigeons.” The duo recruits Preacher [Michael Warren], who desperately needs to escape his own danger—there is a contract out on him for having impregnated a powerful cult leader’s 15‑year‑old daughter. Next comes D.C. [Harold Sylvester], a former high‑school star who now runs numbers, and Swish [Mavis Washington], a finesse player with a remarkable jump shot. To get Swish onto the team, David persuades her to pose as a male, a ruse that adds another layer of tension to their unlikely foursome.

With the addition of a fifth man, Sam Newton, nicknamed “Bull” [Reb Brown], Cadwallader starts to resemble a real contender. Bull’s size and power fill gaps that the others lack, and the team begins to cohere despite their mismatched backgrounds. Their rapid improvement catches the attention of Bo Winnegar [Bert Remsen], the head coach of the elite program they must challenge to make David’s coaching dream viable. Bo’s stubborn pride makes securing a game feel nearly impossible, but a plan comes together when Hustler taps into Bo’s fondness for billiards and engineers a setup that nudges him toward agreeing to the showdown.

As the late‑season drama builds, the stakes keep rising. A hitman Shadowing Preacher travels to Nevada, forcing Preacher to contend with real danger even as he steps onto the court. David makes a risky arrangement with a police officer to permit D.C. to play in the big game before facing the consequences for his border‑line activities. On tip‑off night, the arena swells with anticipation as the basketball dream and the personal one converge: David’s wife and his mother show up to witness the culmination of a lifetime’s effort, underscoring the film’s themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance.

Throughout the story, the team’s disparate personalities collide and cooperate under pressure, revealing how belief in a shared goal can bridge gaps of class, gender, and background. It’s a tale about chasing a long shot, balancing ambition with responsibility, and discovering that sometimes the road to a dream runs through doubt, danger, and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Fast Break Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Fast Break (1979) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

David Greene's double life and dream

David Greene splits his days between running a Brooklyn deli and playing pickup basketball, while dreaming of a real career coaching. A former junior high coach, he relentlessly writes to colleges hoping for a chance to teach and coach at a higher level. His wife Jan longs for a stable home and family, which adds tension as his ambitions pull him away.

Present Brooklyn, New York

Dubious offer to coach Cadwallader

David is offered a coaching job at Cadwallader University that pays only $60 per win. The prize, however, is a lucrative contract if he can lead the team to victory over Nevada State, one of the top programs in the country. He weighs the risk against the dream of finally proving himself as a coach.

Early decision Cadwallader University, Nevada

Marriage strains as he accepts the job

David accepts the assignment and heads west to start building a new team. He cannot persuade his wife Jan to join him, and the distance between them strains their marriage. The decision sets the stage for his solitary pursuit of the dream.

After accepting the job Brooklyn to Cadwallader, Nevada

Recruiting begins with Hustler

David teams up with Hustler, a talented player and pool ace, to assemble the core of the team. Hustler’s fortunes sour when his 'pigeons' realize they have been sharked, adding a layer of danger to the recruitment. The groundwork for Cadwallader's roster starts to take shape.

Pre-season recruitment Brooklyn

Preacher joins the squad

David and Hustler recruit Preacher, who has reasons to escape his own predicament, including a contract on him for impregnating a cult leader's daughter. Preacher's inclusion gives the team inside track and a unique skill set. The cast of misfits begins to form into a contender.

Early recruitment Brooklyn

D.C. joins the lineup

David and Hustler locate D.C., a former high-school star who now runs numbers after trading his basketball dream for a criminal life. D.C.'s speed and street savvy fill a crucial gap on the court. The team starts to take on a real identity.

Mid-recruitment Brooklyn

Swish becomes the fourth man

The crew tracks down Swish, a finesse player with a lethal jump shot, and David convinces her to pose as a male to join the team. The decision to bend gender lines highlights the lengths he will go to assemble a winning roster. Swish brings a unique versatility to the lineup.

Recruitment phase Brooklyn

Bull joins to fill the last spot

With the core four in place, David searches for a fifth and settles on Sam Newton, nicknamed 'Bull', whose muscle makes up for his limited raw skill. The team finally contains a complete roster and begins to gel despite cultural differences. The foundation for the Cadwallader run is set.

After Swish recruitment Brooklyn

The road to Cadwallader and the Nevada mission

David and Hustler lead the newly formed team west to Cadwallader and begin the search for a suitable fifth man among Cadwallader athletes. Raiders of the roster look unpromising, but they settle on Bull to complete the lineup. Their mix of cultures begins to yield a surprising contender.

Road trip to Nevada Cadwallader University, Nevada

Sting operation to secure the big game

As the team readies to face Bo Winnegar's elite squad, the coach learns Winnegar enjoys billiards and arranges a sting operation to force him to agree to a game. Hustler orchestrates the plan to set up the challenge that could change everyone's lives. The schedule aligns with the improbable matchup everyone talks about.

Pre-game planning Nevada, Bo Winnegar's arena

Precarious life on the court

Before tip-off, a hitman trails Preacher to Nevada, injecting danger into the tournament moment. Preacher fears for his life as he steps onto the court, adding a real edge to the stakes of the game. The episode underscores the film's theme of sacrifices and risk for the dream.

During the game setup Nevada arena

D.C. gets to play through a legal loophole

David makes a deal with a police officer to allow D.C. to participate in the big game before answering to the law for his illegal activities. The moral compromise is part of the pursuit and adds tension to the game's legitimacy. The decision tests the boundaries of right and wrong in the quest for success.

During the big game Nevada, court/arena

Family finally witnesses the dream

The game reaches its climax as David's wife Jan and his mother arrive at the arena to share in the realization of his lifelong dream. Their appearance forces him to confront the personal cost of his ambition. The moment ties his professional success to his family life.

Tip-off / game day Cadwallader arena, Nevada

Fast Break Characters

Explore all characters from Fast Break (1979). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

David Greene (Gabe Kaplan)

A basketball-obsessed Brooklyn deli owner and former junior high coach who dreams of making a living coaching basketball. He risks his stable life and marriage to pursue a cross-country coaching opportunity at Cadwallader University. He is resourceful, relentlessly optimistic, and willing to bend rules to assemble a winning team.

🏀 Dreamer 💪 Determined 🧠 Strategist

Hustler (Bernard King)

A talented guard and pool ace whose fortunes sour when his ‘pigeons’ realize they’ve been sharked. He provides street-smart instincts and athletic prowess to the fledgling Cadwallader squad. His loyalty and ball-handling skill help drive the team’s early chemistry.

🏀 Street-smart 🧠 Cunning 💪 Loyal

Preacher (Michael Warren)

A player with a strong basketball instinct who has reasons to escape his circumstances, including a dangerous contract against him. He brings scoring ability and a gritty, determined mindset to the team. His presence adds tension and edge to the squad’s dynamic.

🏀 Defensive 🔥 Rebellious 🧭 Calculated

D.C. (Harold Sylvester)

A former high-school star turned numbers-runner, D.C. brings street-savvy reliability and a wary wisdom to the group. His past as a local standout offers practical leadership and gritty resilience. He becomes a key connector between the team and the outside challenges they face.

🧢 Streetwise 🔒 Secretive 🧭 Loyal

Swish (Mavis Washington)

An extremely talented female finesse player with a killer jump shot who disguises herself as male to join the squad. She adds versatility and flair to Cadwallader’s lineup. Her presence drives the team’s strategy and raises questions about inclusion and boundaries.

🏀 Skilled 🕊️ Versatile ⚡ Quick

Bull (Sam Newton) (Larry Newton)

A muscular, high-energy player nicknamed ‘Bull’ who fills the lane-clearing role. He compensates for limited finesse with sheer power and tenacity. His presence helps balance the team’s lineup and physicality.

💪 Strong 🧱 Physical 🏃‍♂️ Aggressive

Bo Winnegar (Reb Brown)

Head coach of the elite team Cadwallader must beat to validate his job offer, Bo is pragmatic and calculating. He enjoys billiards, which becomes a focal point of a sting operation to secure a game. His dismissal to the challenge tests the Cadwallader crew’s resolve.

🏆 Elite 👔 Calculated 🧭 Pragmatic

Jan (Randee Heller)

David’s long-suffering wife who hopes for stability—owning a home and starting a family—yet faces the strain of his cross-country chase. Her strength and concern ground David’s aspirations in real-life consequences. She embodies the personal cost of chasing a dream.

💒 Supportive 🥲 Wary 💬 Caring

Mom (Connie Sawyer)

David’s mother, a supportive figure who cares about the family’s well-being. She provides emotional ballast amid the turmoil of his pursuit. Her presence underscores the film’s themes of family duty and loyalty.

👩‍👦 Family-first 💪 Supportive 🧶 Nurturing

Fast Break Settings

Learn where and when Fast Break (1979) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Late 1970s

The film is anchored in the late 1970s, an era of streetwise hustle, modest budgets, and road-tripping ambition. It captures the era’s emphasis on grit, quick schemes, and the dream of making it in college basketball. The look and feel reflect the fashion, music, and sporting culture of the period.

Location

Brooklyn, New York, Cadwallader University, Nevada

Brooklyn is shown as a dense, working-class borough where David runs a neighborhood deli and plays pickup basketball. Cadwallader University represents a fictional Nevada college that becomes the focal point for his coaching aspirations. The story moves from gritty city streets to the open desert setting of a cross-country bid to beat a top program.

🏙️ Urban Brooklyn 🥪 Deli life 🏀 Basketball culture

Fast Break Themes

Discover the main themes in Fast Break (1979). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎯

Dream vs Reality

David Greene pursues a dream of coaching a college team, hoping to turn a precarious job into a lasting career. His ambitions collide with financial constraints and the strain on his marriage, forcing him to weigh personal fulfillment against stability. The narrative tests whether determination can outpace practical limits and unexpected obstacles.

🤝

Underdog Teamwork

A mismatched quartet—Hustler, Preacher, D.C., and Swish—joins David to form Cadwallader’s unlikely squad. They overcome cultural differences and leverage clever tactics to become contenders. The team’s cohesion depends on trust, leadership, and a shared goal of proving themselves against tougher opponents.

🎭

Identity & Deception

Swish’s decision to pose as a male to join the team tests boundaries of gender and role within the squad. The deception creates tension around loyalty, honesty, and the pursuit of glory. The narrative uses this twist to explore how identity shapes trust and team dynamics.

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Fast Break Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Fast Break (1979). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, David Greene lives and breathes basketball, juggling neighborhood pickup games with a modest deli job while dreaming of a full‑time coaching career. His ambition collides with a restless marriage to Jan, whose own hopes of stability and a home clash with the uncertainty of his pursuit. When a surprisingly small college in the Nevada desert offers him a chance to lead its struggling men’s program, the offer becomes a crossroads between personal sacrifice and the chance to finally turn his passion into a profession.

Arriving at the dusty campus of Cadwallader University, David discovers that the roster is less a traditional squad and more a gathering of outliers. With the help of his street‑wise friend Hustler, he enlists a devout yet haunted player known as Preacher, a former high‑school star turned numbers runner called D.C., and a gifted, gender‑ambiguous sharpshooter named Swish who must conceal her identity to earn a spot. The final piece falls into place with the hulking yet earnest enforcer Bull, whose physical presence compensates for his raw skill set. Together they form a mismatched family of talent, each carrying their own hidden stories beneath the surface of the sport.

Under David’s unconventional guidance, the team begins to coalesce, blending raw street instincts with disciplined play. The atmosphere crackles with the energy of underdogs daring to rewrite expectations, set against the expansive Nevada backdrop of scorching courts and endless horizons. Word of their progress reaches the national stage, culminating in an invitation to challenge a powerhouse program led by the legendary Bo Winnegar. The prospect of that showdown looms as both a test of skill and a chance for the fledgling squad to claim the respect and visibility they have long chased.

Amid the looming contest, David balances the pressure of an impossible schedule, the lingering doubts of his marriage, and the yearning to prove that a ragtag collection of misfits can become something greater. The film swirls with humor, grit, and heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to root for a team whose biggest victories may be measured in the bonds they forge as much as in the points on the scoreboard.

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